The Role of Common Dyadic Coping as Mediator Between Attachment Styles and Marital Satisfaction in Transition to Parenthood

Abstract

<span lang="EN-US">In the transition to parenthood, couples will face many changes until the child is two years old. Thus, it is important for couples to apply common dyadic coping. However, common dyadic coping is influenced by individual attachment styles. This study aims to determine the role of common dyadic coping during the transition to parenthood as mediator between attachment styles and marital satisfaction. Measurements used in this study are Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised (ECR-R), Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI), and Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI). Data was obtained through an online survey of Indonesian citizens aged ≥ 21 years, currently married, and having only children aged zero to two years (N mothers = 90%, M ages = 27.9, SD ages = 2.8). The results of the mediation model analysis on PROCESS macro from Hayes showed that problem-focused common dyadic coping partially mediates the relationship between anxious attachment and marital satisfaction (</span><span lang="EN-US">β</span><span lang="EN-US"> = -0.084, p < .001), and avoidant attachment with marital satisfaction (</span><span lang="EN-US">β</span><span lang="EN-US"> = -0.084, p < .001). Likewise, emotion-focused common dyadic coping partially mediates the relationship between anxious attachment and marital satisfaction (</span><span lang="EN-US">β</span><span lang="EN-US"> = -0.084, p < .001), and avoidant attachment and marital satisfaction (</span><span lang="EN-US">β</span><span lang="EN-US"> = -0.084, p < .001).</span>